Spring Foray in the Elwha River Watershed, Washington

Where and why? The Elwha River Watershed on the northern Olympic Peninsula is one of the most significant watersheds in Washington, particularly after the removal of two large dams more than a decade ago. Now the legislature has passed a proviso directing the DNR to look at conservation possibilities on state lands in the watershed. Come be part of looking for rare lichens in this jewel of an area, and help make conservation history.

Who should come? If you are looking for a training for beginners this is not the event for you -- this event is not meant for beginners. This work needs to be high quality.  (Of course, no matter your experience level you will learn something!).

All survey areas will involved some hiking in on roads or trails.

Camping will be at the spectacularly beautiful coastal Salt Creek County Park from Thursday to Sunday, and a local meeting hall has already been reserved. The camping fees and costs for the hall are being covered by the Center for Responsible Forestry, a conservation group that works to protect state lands.

Schedule. Start time shows as 5 pm on Thursday, but we are more flexible than that. We hope that most of you can come on Thursday evening, 4-7 pm, to be ready to begin fieldwork on Friday, but it is also an option to arrive Friday. After you register you will be asked to complete an online logistics form. For more questions about the schedule or practicalities, you can reach out to Florence Caplow, who is local, at florence.elwhaproject@gmail.com

 

We have also scheduled an optional half day on Sunday in a nearby area. We will look for rare lichens in an imperiled stand of timber on state land adjacent to Salt Creek. 

Registration. The registration fee is $20. This will be used to cover any unanticipated group expenses, but more likely will be returned at the event to registrants who actually attend.

What to bring. 

• Bring your own food or arrange to cooperate with others.
• We will probably want to heat up our food at the Lions Club both nights, and they would rather we not use their dishes (I think we can use their pots and pans) so bring your own dishes and whatever needed for camping and camp cooking.
  
• Bring your own scopes, reference books, collecting materials, and tools, or cooperate with others on these.